Maverick Kimhoko Bsn-2b

Mrs. Sheila Tan

Hot sitz bath documentation

Sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a patient sits in water up to the hips to relieve discomfort and
pain in the lower part of the body. Sitz bath works by keeping the affected area clean and increasing the
flow of blood.

Definition

Sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a patient sits in water up to the hips to relieve discomfort and
pain in the lower part of the body. Sitz bath works by keeping the affected area cle an and increasing the
flow of blood.

A sitz bath may be created simply by filling a bathtub with some water and sitting in it for a few minutes.
Alternatively, a large basin can be used. There are also special devices that fit into toilet bowls. Sitz baths
may either be warm or cool. Some people find alternating between hot and cold water soothing. Sitz
baths may be filled with just water, or substances such as salt, baking soda or vinegar can be added.

Origin of Term

The term sitz bath is derived from the German word Sitzbad,meaning a bath (Bad) in which one sits
(sitzen).

Objectives

To relieve muscle spasm

To soften exudates

To hasten the suppuration process

To hasten healing

To reduce congestion and provide comfort in the perineal area

Purposes

To aid healing a wound in the area by cleaning on discharges and slough

To induce voiding in urinary retention

To relieve pain, congestion and inflammation in cases of: hemorroids, tenesmus, rectal surgery, anal
fissures, after proctoscopic or cycloscopic exams., sciatica, uterine and renal colic.

To induce menstruation.

Indications

Hemorrhoids

Anal Fissures/Surgery

Episiotomy

Uterine Cramps

Important Considerations

Warm water should not be used if considerable congestion is already present.

The patient should be observed closely for signs of weakness and faintness.

After the patient is in the tub or the chair, check to see whether or not there is pressure against the
patient’s thighs or legs.

Support patient’s back in the lumbar region.

Contraindication

Menstruating or pregnant women

Equipment

Sitz tub half filled with water 105F

Pitcher of water 130F

Bath thermometer

Ice cap-with cover

Fresh camisa

Bath towel

Bath blanket

Rubber ring p.r.n.

Preparation

Take all necessary equipment to bathroom or treatment room.

Run water into tub and check temperature—105F or 40.5C

Place rubber ring at bottom of tub p.r.n. or line bottom with towel.

Charting

Type of solution

Length of time of application

Type of heat application

Condition and appearance of wound

Comfort of patient

Equipment

Available bathroom with appropriate size tub for patient.

Towels and bathmat

Bath blanket

Inflatable ring

Patient’s clean clothes

Procedure
 Nursing Interventions Rationale

Check physician’s order for sitz bath

To know if it is indicated for the patient.
patient.

Prepare the materials needed:

• Take linen to bathroom.
• Fill clean tub about one-third
full with warm water.
• Check with your hand to
determine that temperature
of water is between 105°F To save time and effort
and 110°F (40.5°C to
43.3°C).
• Place towel or inflatable
ring, if appropriate, on
tub bottom and bathmat on
floor beside tub.

For the patient to be aware on the purpose

Explain purpose and procedure to patient.
and procedure.

Warm water should not be used if

Test the water in a sitz with a thermometer
considerable congestion is already present.
before the patient enters the tub. If the
If the purpose of the sitz bath is to produce
purpose of the sitz bath is to apply heat,
relaxation or to help promote healing in a
water at a temperature of 43°C to 46°C for
wound by cleaning it of discharge and
15 minutes will produce relaxation of the
debris, then water at a temperature of 34°C
parts involved after a short contraction.
to 37°C is used.

Assist the patient into the tub and position

him properly.Check to see whether there is
pressure against the patient’s thighs or
legs.If the patient’s feet do not touch the
floor, and the weight of the legs is resting
on the edge of the tub, a stool should be
used to support the feet and to relieve the
pressure on the back of the legs.It may also
be necessary to place a towel in the water to
support the patient’s back in the lumbar
region.The bath can seem very long if one’s
body is not in good alignment and
comfortable.
 Wrap a bath blanket around the patient’s This protects the patient’s from feeling
shoulders, and drape the ends over the tub. chilly and form exposure.

Observe the patient closely for signs of

weakness and fatigue. A cold compress may
be placed at the back of the neck or Typical signs of faintness include skin
forehead, to help prevent the patient from pallor, a rapid pulse rate, and nausea.
feeling weak. Discontinue the bath if the
patient’s condition warrants.

Test the water in the tub several times, and

keep it at the desired temperature. The water should be agitated by stirring it
Additional hot water may be added by as hot water and added to prevent burning
pouring it slowly form a pitcher or by the patient.
opening a hot-water fauce a little bit.

Do not leave the patient alone unless it is

absolutely certain that it is safe to do so.

Help the patient out of the tub when the

Help the patient dry, and cover the patient
bath is completed. Normally, a hot sitz bath
adequately.
should be continued for 15 to 30 minutes.

Assist the patient to his bed, where

it is best for him to lie down, and out
of drafts until normal circulation
returns.